Maggie Mo

Hover Toilet

The main problem with public toilets is the transfer of faecal matter via the fingers to food that re-enters the body. Within the cubicle, users typically have to touch the door, lock, lid, seat and flush. This design prevents contact, by replacing a hand lock with a foot lock, and creating a sensor system that allows the basin to close and flush without touching. This also prevents bacteria from spraying out when the toilet is flushed. Furthermore, the seat is reduced to the most necessary area to avoid users wasting toilet paper which is a common direct contact avoidance method.
The final element to the design is communicating the design intention to the user via the signage on the door for pushing door open with their foot and traffic light change on the sensor.